Hanover Township (part 5 of 29)

The stockholders in the Miami -Bridge Company, in the year 1824, were Adam Andrew, Joseph- S. Bonham, Miss Loretto M. Brenan, James Brown, the Commissioners of Butler County, John Clark, Edward Cornthwaite, Samuel Davis, Samuel Dick, George Dick, William S. Hatch, Matthew Huo>ton, Robert inviu, John C. Kibby, Squier Littell,. Andrew Lewis, James McBride, Andrew McCleary, David McMechau, William McMechau, Tobias Miller, Robert B. Millikin, John Rainey, John Reily, Elizabeth Rhea, John E. Scott, Robert Scott, John Slack, Abel Slayback, Joseph Smith, Oliver Smith, John Sutherland, William Taylor, John Henry Traber, William Wallace,. Joseph Wilson,- John Winter:, Michael Yeakle, and James Young.

The navigation of the Miami was, in the beginning, regarded as good as that of aDV other stream in the State, excepting the Ohio, and not far behind that. There were obstacle:', however, which could easily have hr -.a abated. Here and there was a sand-bar or a shadow channel, and the various clams were not always eonsti 'acted in the best manner. By a small expenditure of money the river could be much improved. In otic of the newspapers of 1824 appeared the following

Circular

"At a meeting of the citizens of Dayton and the neighborhood, convened on the 24th u!t., we were appointed a committee to address the citizens of the Miami country on the subject of the navigation of the Great Miami River.

"We consider the navigation of the Great Miami River of the utmost interest to the inhabitants of this district of country (on this subject we eouceive there can he no di fie --<"- nee of opinion), and as iv« consider you to be acquainted with the difficulties and obstructions as well as the advantages to be derived from a free navigation of the river, we shall be brief.

" It is generally known that the navigation of the Miami River was very little interior to that of the Ohio, previous to the Jams being placed in it. By the voir. pact between the State of Ohio and general governnu nt. « ml river was declared to be and remain a public hL'hwro : tiiat the Legislature have, from time to firm . no tel laws respecting ibe navigation of the said liver, non. of which haw been complied with, and the time . grained

" We are confident that a moderate expense will be j sufficient to open and deepen the channel, so as to admit j steamboats of reasonable draft and burthen, to navigate the river far the greater part of the year, provided that some method be adopted by which they may pass the mill-dams in safety, or those obstructions removed. This, we ure confident, can be effected by placing locks in the sides of the darns or rive]- bank, through which bouts may ascend or descend. .By this means the produce of the Miami country may be conveyed to any place ou the Ohio River by steamboats in safety and at a trifling expense, while merchandise may be brought up the Miami from-- either Pittsburg, Wheeling, Louisville, or Cincinnati for about the same.

" Believing the navigation may be effected, that it is important, and will be of great benefit to the country, we earnestly solicit your assistance and co-operation with us

A great part of the flour and whisky from Butler County was transported iff wagons to Cincinnati, then shipped to Row Orleans, probably as much as descended the Miami.

In the earlier years of the century, a rise of the river was annual, or even oftener, and boats would lie for months waiting their opportunity. In 1847 there was an overflow between Christmas and Mew -Year's. The rain had fallen steadily for more than, a week, and the ground was completely saturated. The Straub House was inundated, and the landlord, Peter Shurz, was compelled -to move his valuables upstairs. Robert Howard had just bought the iron store lately occupied by Daniel Shafer, j It had a large and capacious cellar, and in it had been | placed, by David Yeakle (a cooper, living a little west | of town), two or three hundred whisky barrels, to be | kept there until prices raised. 'When the water began to in effecting so desirable an object. We would further | take the liberty to request you to make this public in your neighborhood, and obtain the sense of the people on j it, by a public meeting or otherwise, and a correspondence with us.

Nothing came of this appeal. The State of Ohio soon j after began the construction of the Miami Canal, and I after that went into operation there was no longer any } reason for the improvement of the river. But until j 1833, or thereabouts, boats descended the stream and car- j ried the products of this country to Louisville, Si. Lords', ! and Yew Orleans. The voyages were long, and at the j end the boats were sold or broken up, and the owner or ; captain returned overland. It was necessary to send j down the boats while the water was high, and this gen- j erally occurred in the Spring of the year.

Seventy-nine boats, chiefly flat-bottomed, descended the Miami, and passed under the bridge, for the Yew Orh-i ns market. from January to- June, 1823, with Hour, wliisky, lumber, etc., averaging 300 barrels, at So per j barrel, or s 1 i s.oOO, rise, it naturally filled the cellar, and the barrels, which were good sound specimens of the cooper's art, were soon afloat, and began striking the ceil mg. Those on lire main floor heard a mysterious, thumping, but were unable to account for it. Presently there was a crash, the floor heaved upward, the hardware tumbled down, and the stove capsized, sending up a great < loud of steam. Only one person was in the store at the time, who was overthrown with the rest. He gathered himself up and fled.

The water extended up Main Street as far as Lunbaek's shoe store, then a dry-goods store, kept by James and William Traher. A boat was rowed to the post in front, by James T'rabcr, and 'was there hitched. On the

In September, 1866, there was a remarkable freshet. Great damage was done to ail the surrounding country, and railroad travel was interrupted for a long time. Upon the island, just cast of the Globe Flour Mills, stood a very large sycamore tree. It is a peculiarity of the floods of the West' that tliev wash out the earth from beneath a tree while it is still standing, and finally, when there is uo support, cause its fail. It was s.. in this ease. The mighty tree stood looking over the (! ->d until its equilibrium could no longer be maintained, whrj it fell, and began rapidly floating down the river. Projecting from the main trunk was a huge snag which sometimes showed above the water, and at other times was buried. F.xperiemod observers saw the daw_> r wki it might occasion, and warned persons oh foot' or in 'xrriages from crossing. ('olouel Moore distmgu. -b. d . :c s'df in this respect. Jesse Havens, the express driver, was passing through the bridge at the time, with his two bo vs. Pushing the children ahead, he urged them to get | out. and hurried on as fast as lie could himself. He ! found himself unable to get out in time, and stopped, i turning around to witness the catastrophe. Just be- I fore the tree reached the bridge, above and west of the i middle pier, it disappeared. But not for a great while { were the people in suspense. The snag came crushing up through the timbers and plankiug, destroying every thing it touched, and then quietly floated down stream.

It narrowly escaped striking the railroad bridge,, which would also have been destroyed. The remainder of the bridge was carried away at about half-past ten the same evening.

The Press

Newspapers soon followed the advent of settlers in this country, and several were soon in operation. But Butler County, from its nearness to Cincinnati, did not have a press as soon as some other counties of less pop- j ulation. In the columns of Liberty Hall, a newspaper of Cincinnati, under date of April 16, 1813, appears the following :

"An age like the present, portentous beyond any j parallel to be found in the history of mankind, will offer j the best apology tor the multiplication of periodical pub- j Mentions - whose object is : 1st. The diffusion of literature j mid science in the most enlightened and scientific epoch j known within the pale of humau knowledge, and, '_'d. An early communication of the great political events, Bitli foreign and domestic, which are now agitating every quarter of the globe.

I he propose 1 paper shall he conducted with the most undovin ting impartiality, alike avoiding the petulance 1,1 party ami the designing misrepresentation of disorganouig partisans, of whatever description they may he. It "dl he our aim to detail things as they are, following up the lights of truth, according to the best of our perception, and discarding every thing which may have a tendency to mislead the judgment or warp the heart from the best interests cT its country.' Such' is the plan we are determined to pursue.

"1. The Miami Gazette, will be published weekly, on a royal sheet, with an elegant new type, in the town of Hamilton, Butler County, and delivered to subscribers within the town. The first number will appear in Juiv.

" 2. Yearly price two dollars, if paid in advance ; two dollars and fifty cents, if paid within six or twelve months, according to the term subscribed for. But if payment be delayed beyond either period, then three dollars will be demanded. Subscribers receiving their papers by a private post will be charged for the packing and postage an additional fifty cents. Country produce will he received in payment.

The Gazette does not appear ever to have been issued. But two firms of printers had their eyes fixed on this place, and had sent out notices of their- intention to establish a paper. The town was clearly too small rl>r both, and they consolidated. Keen & Stewart constituted one of the firms, and Colby & Eon ml! the other. The result of their joint labors was entitled the Miami Intelli veneer,

Mr. James McBride owned the press and type, which he purchased at Deer Creek, then above Cincinnati, from a Frenchman named Meuessier. Some use had previously been made of them, but what we are unable to learn. The first number of the journal was dated June 22, 1814. It was printed on a coarse, dingy royal sheet of four columns to the page, or a little larger than a page of Harpers Weekly. A large cut of the Goddos of Liberty blowing her trumpet was worked in the second number. It had evidently seen hard usage. The newspaper was published in the fid A ingate House, corner of Dayton and Wafer Streets.

-- Colby, Bunnell Co. respectfully submit to their friends, and to the friends of republicanism, the foil >w- - ing proposals lor publishing in Hamilton, Ohio, a weekly newspaper, to be called Miami Iiit> lliyeneer.

" From the sheets of the Minin! Intelligencer the reader may inform himself of the principles and polities of the editors. However, lest the omission of giving some small i outlines of our political opinions iniahl he construed, to J our prejudice, we have no in siiation in avowing oitrsi Ives | as American Uopulfiicaus. u>4 of those protended Kopuhj lien ns who see but to comlcmii. who with impunitv violate I all law and outrage all order, nor of those Republicans who, under a pretended attachment to the principles of ! Washington, daily contradict by their words and actions ! every inoral and political opinion which that great and good man promulgated - but of those genuine, honest Republicans who are independent enough to condemn, and candid enough to praise, where either may have been deserved ; to censure only where censure may be due, and give applause where merit deserves it.

"Although we are the avowed friends of the present administration of our country, yet we never shall become the tool of any man or set of men, he they attached to what party they may, or their station ever so high and their influence ever so extensive.

"The moralist, the poet,- and the politician whose productions deserve attention shall find place in our paper for their accommodation ; but scurrility or personal abuse shall never disgrace the pages of the Miami Intelligencer. Such arc our political opinions ; such are the plans which we have determined to pursue, and from them we trust no consideration shall ever induce us to swerve."

"2. Price to subscribers: Two dollars, if paid in advance, for one year; two dollars and fifty cents, paid within the year; three dollars, if paid after the year expires.

" The subscribers, believing that a consolidation of the establishments of the Volunteer and Miami Intelligencer would be most beneficial in themselves and pleasing to the inhabitants of Butler and the adjoining counties, have formed a union. The Intelligencer shall be published every Wednesday morning.

" Gentlemen who have interested themselves in behalf of either establishment will please accept our thanks. They will confer another favor by sending a list of the subscribers obtained, to this office immediately, or delivering it to the post rider of their district.

"William H. Harrison, Isaac Shelby, and Lewis Cass have been appointed, hv the President, commissioners to treat with the Indians at Greenville.

"The late arrival of the eastern mail last evening prevented our making copious extracts from our papers, letters, etc. The mail should arrive at noon. We have

"On Thursday last, by William D. Jones, Esq., Mr. Noah Wiley, of Crosby Township, Hamilton County, to Miss Mary Buffington, of Ross Township, Butler County.

Under the date of Boston, May 30, it notices the arrival at that port of the British letter of marque schooner Brilliant, captured by the privateer brig Scourge.

"2. The French people call freely to the throne of France, Louis Stanislaus Xavier, of France, brother of the late king, and after him the other members of the house of Bourbon, in the ancient order.

"21. The person of the king is sacred and inviolable. All the acts of trie government are signed by a minister. The ministers are responsible for all which these acts contain violatory of the laws, public and private liberty, and the rights of the citizens.

"23. The liberty of the press is entire, with the exception of the legal repression of offenses which may result from abuses of that liberty. The senatorial commissions of the liberty of the press and individual liberty are preserved."

" He never knew how to reign, either in the national interest or the interest of his own despotism. He has destroyed all that he ought to create; aud recreated all that he ought to destroy. He relied only upon force ; force now overwhelms him - -just reward of senseless ambition.

" Napoleon has governed us like a king of barbarians ; Alexander [of Russia] and his magnanimous allies speak only the language of honor, justice, aud humanity. They have just reconciled Europe to a brave and happy people.

David Me Media u, of Seven-mile, advertises a duik I brown mare, strayed or stolen from his re si lenee in Mil* 1 ford Towuship. about t lie beginning of April. He ofl'-rs I live dollars reward, and promises to ask no questions ! ease she is returned.

Michael Hager man and Abraham Piatt & Co. advertise jointly that about the 4th of July they will have in operation on the Miami River, a half mile below Hamilton, " three cording machines of superior quality."

James P. Morton " gratefully acknowledges the partiality of a discerning public," and advertises that he lias "recommenced boot and shoe making at Mr. Pearson's." Andrew O. Rork says that he has a new cording machine on Four-mile, at Scott's mill.

Samuel Millikin, near the printing office, advertises a large lot of approved family medicines, "prepared only by T. W. Dyott, M. D., grandson of the late celebrated Dr. Robertson, of Edinburgh."

Colby and Bonnell retired from the firm September 12, 1814, at which time Keen & Stewart removed to their new office on High Street. Stewart withdrew November 14, 1814, Zebulon Colby returning, and the publishers became Keen & Colby. This arrangement continued until May 14, 1815, when William Murray, the father of the late 'William Murray, took an interest in the paper, to secure a debt, and the firm became Keen, Colby & Murray.

The publication of the Miami Intelligencer was continued by this firm until March 29, 1816, when the ' business relations were dissolved, and Smith, Colby & Co. took possession, and changed the name of the paper to the Ph ilanthropist.

The Philanthropist had for its motto "Man is man; who is more?" It was printed from the same type and press, and preserved the form and announced the same terms of subscription as its predecessor. Except in name, there was nothing in it to indicate a change. In August, Mr. Smith sold out, and the publishing firm was changed -to Zebulon Colby & Co., August 23, 1816, and under their direction the paper was issued until April 18, 1817, when they sold out to Wesley Carnron and James B. Carnron. They issued the Miami Herald.

"Free, but not licentious." - Volume I, number 1, appearing under date of September 12, 18J7. The publication office was in a frame building that stood near the north intersection of Reily with High Street. This building has since been removed to Second, below Bafin, and is the present residence of Frank Martiudell.

After running two years - to October 5, 1819 - a new publishing firm, consisting of James B. Carnron and Jolm L. Murray (brother of the late 'William Murray), was organized, and the name of the paper was changed to the Hamilton Gazette and Miami Register, the first number of which appeared October 12, 1819. While the paper professed to be independent in polities, and devoted to literature, it betrayed a decided tendency to Republican or Democratic politics. The enterprise of the new firm led them to enlarge the paper to live columns, <>n January 25, 1820, and its publication was continued by them until January 3, 1821, certainly, and in all likelihood continuously until November 11, 1821, when

It commenced the publication of a new series at that j date, and the office was removed to the building in which, j a few years ago, Tom Myers, was assassinated. On January 10, 1825, Mr. Carnron changed the name of his j paper to the Hamilton AdveHiser, with "Justice and | equality" for a motto; and again, on November 17, 1826, j he changed to the Hamilton Ohio Advedmr, and began j a new series, which was closed October 26, 1827.

At this last date Cameron, as lie now spelled his name, i began the publication of the Western Telegraph, a flaming I Jackson paper, with Taylor 'Webster as editor. The fob j lowing August (1828) the publication of the Intelligencer j was resumed, under the auspices of its early friends, and | with the title of the Hamilton Intelligencer. It supported j John Quincy Adams as President, and from that time ; on advocated Whig, measures. Dr. John C. Dimievv was supposed to be the editor, but his name was not an- ; nounced.

Mr. John Woods, then the leading lawyer of the ! county, and the member of Congress, became a part ! owner in the Intelligencer on the loth of November, 1828. ; when he bought half of the establishment from Edward : Shaefter, to begin in March, 1829. The other half was j sold to Michael B. Sargeant, the law partner of Mr. ! 'Woods, in February, 1829. Mr. ShaetTer's name ap-j peared as publisher as late as December 22 of thai year. j August 17, 1830, John Woods was editor and publisher. ; October 13, 1830, Richard H. L. Neale was announced ; as jointly interested, John 'Woods continuum' editor. \ June 21, 1831, Mr. Woods became sole publisher. Ati about this time Lewis 1). Campbell, who had ju-t finished i his apprenticeship on the Cincinnati Gazette, came to the j office of Mr. Woods as a printer.

We have left to ns in the journals of that time several articles which show the cost of carrying on newspapers. Before this period, now just half a century ago, the! newspapers wore carried on by printers ; after this they J were conducted by politicians, who felt the vital' ini- j portauce of having their doctrines correct] v set forth.

press, requiring two pulls to complete the impresfiou, and inked b} balls. There was no large assortment of type, and but little mercantile printing was done. Much depended upon legal and official advertising.

i B. They do not prof s- to have m we than four i.undr 1 | subscribers, and ir, is said that not three hundred and j fifty papers are received by paying subscribers* - this, for six mouths (if cash wore paid within that time), would ho $350 ; hut no subscription of that number ever paid within that time $300. The actual living expenses of each of the partners can not be less than $5 per week - they ought to receive $6, to make journeymen's wages. They employ a hand at not less than 85 per week ; their paper for four hundred subscribers is 85; their office rent, ink, contingencies, etc., will be $2. These sums, which are all put at the lowest estimate, amount to 822 per week, which multiplied by twenty-six, the number of weeks in six months, will amount to 8575. The advertising and jobs can not amount to 875. Allowing, therefore. four hundred subscribers, and each to pay his dollar within the six months, the receipts can not exceed 8475, leaving a deficit of 8100. Our knowledge of business has taught that an establishment under such regulations can not be continued a year under a certain sacrifice of 8200, and a very probable sacrifice of several huudred more."

The younger members of the profession will not he able to see where he has understated the income or overstated the expense. This is, however, the case. If there were two partners, one undoubtedly was a lawyer and politician, and took nothing from the fund. .They would also have received a larger sum from advertisements and job printing, certainly 8200 in the six months. By taking off, therefore, 8130 for one of the partners, and adding 8125 to the advertising and job printing, 8255 is gained, making a surplus of 8155, instead of a deficit of 8100.

"From the preceding it will he seen that 82,138 have been expended in the process of business during the past year, not including stockholders' tune -equal to $1,200 - and that the actual receipts into the treasury have not exceeded $500. Thus the stockholders find themselves $1 ,038, in cash, out of pocket; and i if ail be collectable) only a net gain of 8102, a sum not half adequate to the injury of materials."

This was a preposterously large price to pay journeymen. No office outside oi Columbus and 1 i.icimuifi, in this State, paid such a uni ; and the quantity of paper used would indicate a very large subscription list.

"Having claimed and exercised, during the late political contest, the right of deciding for myself, and of acting upon the convictions of my own judgment, without regard to the poor popularity which is bought by the sacrifice of principle and self-respect, I need now give no other pledge than that I will still pursue a fearless and independent course. I trust, however, that I shall not be unmindful that others may have an equal right to form and act upon their own opinions.

""Whatever may he my success in endeavoring to make the Intelligencer a source of general information, and of agreeable amusement to its readers, I will at least preserve it from low scurrility aud degrading personal contests. When it wantonly attacks private character, and becomes the vehicle of low and malignant slander, I will no longer ask those whom I shall assail and abuse, or the public thus insulted, to support me with their patronage and countenance."

Mr. Woods retired at the close of the presidential contest, the day of publication was changed to Saturday, and a new series was started on Saturday, November 10, 1832, and on the 17th of that mouth. Lewis D. Campbell was announced as editor. Mr. Campbell did all the labor - was publisher, editor, compositor, office boy and ail. Re employed, for the first two years, no one to help him, except when working press, when be required some oue to ink the forms as he pulled off. For this he paid "cue bit" per week. We quote a paragraph from his salutatory :

"It is confidently hoped that as the presidential canvass is over party spirit will soon subside, and the public mind, which has so long been kept in an unpleasant agitation, again become settled. Let the result of the contest which is now closing he what it may, our exertions will he actively employed in restoring peace and tranquillity.' We arc ready and willing to submit to the solemn decision of a free people."

The last sentence alludes to the second election of General Jackson, in 1832. The subsidence of party spirit and the restoration of peace and tranquillity in politics were Utopian schemes of the day. In 1834, L. Gibbon and D. I>. Gardner assisted him as publishers. Mr. Gardner retired November 12, 1*33, and Mr. Gibbon continued as publisher until May 12. 1836, when Isaac M. Walters succeeded. The name of the paper was changed, January 4, 1838. to the Hamilton Ohio JateHir/encer, and in November of that year, Mr. Campbell retired. He had iu the mean time studied lav.*, and was admitted to the bar. 1 ! is farewell article, under the head of " Editor's Adieu," contains the following p-ira* graj myself in a position which will enable me to be an observer of what is going on in the great editorial arena. It will be fun to see the lunges that will be made ; to- see the Register and Statesman ' wool ' each other ; to see the veteran of the Cincinnati Gazette deal out his well-aimed blows at both friends and foes ; to see Prentice floor his hosts, and to see the ' small fry ' about the country dextrously wielding their weapons.

" 1 now deliberately walk out of the field, and put up the bars, entertaining a hope that those friends who have stood by and patronized me may live a thousand years, happily and prosperously ; that all honest Van Boren men will soon perceive and flee from the error of their way, and that the Intelligencer may be more profitable to its publishers and more efficient ro its object than it has been under my control."

Mr. Makers, in addition to his duties as publisher, assumed those of editor, preserving these relations until February 27, 1840, when William C. Howells, now consul-general of the United States in the Dominion of Canada, purchased the ptiper, and became both editor and publisher. His son, William 1). Howells, the graceful essayist and novelist, was' employed in the office a portion of the time. The first business Mr. Howells undertook was to restore to the paper its old name of the Hamilton Intelligencer. He conducted the paper with marked ability until November 16, 1848, when he sold it to John P. Charles. A few mouths after, Mr. Howells purchased the Dayton Trameript.

Mr. Charles disposed of his interest in the paper to Mr. J. TV. McBeth, on May 17, 1849, and the style of the firm was McBeth & Boardman - -Mr. McBeth doing the editorial work, and Mr. Boardman superintending the publishing department.

Mr. D. TV. Halsey succeeded to Board man's interest April 24, 1851, and the firm of Halsey A McBeth existed until February 15, 1855, when McBeth disposed of his interest to Mr. Halsey.

The appearance of the newspaper had greatly changed at this time from that of the first issues of the Intelligencer. It was a large, handsome sheet, filled with good reading matter, and devoting a reasonable proportion of its -[nice to local news. The enlargement took place at the beginning of 1852, and was the first since 1887. Mr. Halsey owned the paper until 1857, when he died. The date was November 4. It was purchased from his executors by Minor Miilikin and David W. M< Clung. Mr. Miilikin afterward went out to the war, and was killed 'vhile bravely fighting for his country. Mr. McCiung is bie present collector of internal revenue in Cincinnati. Among the contributors to the paper at that time was ^ lutclaw Ileid, now editor of the New York Tribune, "Ito fumis-hed the weekly Oxford letter. It was well don.'. Mr. McCltnig retired duly 2:*, IMS, -iini Mr.

October 29, 1829, it was printed and published by Taylor Webster, no account being given of the withdrawal of Mr. Camron in that time. Mr. Camron after ward became county auditor, and died in 1843. He was not a practical printer.

March 9, 1832, the name was changed to Western ; Telegraph and Butler County Advertiser, and the place of I publication changed. This paper was dated at Eossville,

October 28, 1836, the paper was suspended, Mr. Web- | ster not having leisure to attend to it. ITe was the memi her of Congress at that time.

November 18, 1836, the publication was resumed by j Franklin Stokes, a practical printer. A vast improvement in the typographical appearance of the pant.'" is perceptible in his first number. John B. Weller am peared as editor.

November 7, 1839, the paper was agaiu suspended f w a brief period, for the purpose of settling up, the printing office being offered for sale. "This paper," Mr. Stokes says, "closes the twelfth volume of the lUstcm T-legraj aud we embrace this occasion to return our thanks." etc.

October 18, 1849, 51. C. Ryan, who had long Kt re been employed by Mr. Campbell in his printing office, assumed the sole editorial charge of the paper, having had greatness thrust upon him, as he explain-, by mentionimr the departure of one of the editor.-, to t ahlorma -aud the absence ot the other on the business ot " I eni '-- Lost.'

November 15, 1849, F. Van Perveer wa- .mm nno.d as editor. He disposed of Ids interest to \\ am l! ls.iv, of the Ihivon Empire. October 1, 1 :.i i wen1

November 11, 1852, the official records show that ; William R. Kinder commenced a nev. series at that ; date, styling it volume 26. number 1. Mr. Kinder continued as editor and proprietor until June 13, 1851, when his interest was purchased by Charles I. Barker , and James McCormick.

On November 8. 1855, Major Alfred A. Phillips pur- I chased Barker's interest in the paper, and the firm name was McCormick & Phillips. Mr. Phillips remained in ! the business but a short while, and was bought out by i Daniel R. Empson, April 17, 1856. Under this arrangement Empson became editor, and McCormick had charge 1 ' of the publication. About one year later - April 2-3, j 1857 - the paper passed into the bands of the Telegraph Company, with William R. Kinder as editor. Mr. Emp- j son died June 18 of that year.

September 3, 1857, James K. Webster purchased . the -paper, and retained Mr. Kinder as his editor. Mr. j Kinder finally retired from the editorial chair, May 6, j 1858, and Mr. W ebster succeeded him, E. Van Derveer ! acting as editor, and owned and controlled the paper until June 6, 1861, when John Mc-Elwee and John P. P. Peck purchased it. The former remained in the paper but a j short time, selling out in a couple of weeks to his part- j nerj who made it an outspoken champion for the cause |

The greater portion of the Democracy in this county ; were opposed to the war. It seemed to them something j which could have been avoided by a few timely con- j cessions, and they were not slow in discharging their j wrath upon Mr. Peck, as a renegade Democrat. He was | at that time a private banker, and a run was begun upon | his establishment, resulting in its suspension. He pub- ' lished the Telegraph until October 24, 1861, when the j paper, press, and material were purchased by Williams j & Egry, proprietors of the Hamiihn Intelligencer. The two papers were merged, and were thenceforward, to the j present time, published as the JTanultou Tdcy uph.

The Democracy were not satisfied with, the withdrawal of their patronage from Mr. Peek's bank and his paper, but set up a new journal, entitled the True Telegraph. It was printed on type bought iu Oxford, and was issued by Dr. John McElwce and Abram C, Marts. Thus there were three papers here m progress at the same time - the 1 1 legruph , the Ti ne I'eh graph, and t he Intelb- " nencrT. The editors of the latter, after the consolidation with the Telegraph, were Valentine Chase and JI. P. K. Peek, to November 27, 1862, and W. >S. Bush to March j 12, 1863. At the last date, Mr. John C. Lewis purchased the interest of Mr. Williams, and became the editor. Mr, Lewis disposed of his interest to Mr. Egry, November 2, 180.5, who remained sole owner, with -). T. Langstroih as editor, until October -'ll, 18(5 . At that time E. H. Scohov became a part proprietor, which interest lie retained thr one year. In October, 1868, Mr. Egry again became sole owner of the paper, with F. II. Seobcy for editor - relations that continued unbroken until Mr. Egrv sold out to C. M. Campbell, on die 17th of December, 1879. The next week appeared the first number of the Dally News, an evening daily, which has been continued up to this time. Mr. Seobcy acted as editor until March, 1880, when he withdrew, shortly afterward going to Kansas. Since this time Mr. Campbell has acted as editor. Albert Dix has been the business manager since Air. Campbell took possession, and Fred L. Eosemond has been the city editor since Air. Seobcy left. The Telegraph is still continued as the weekly.

It is difficult for those not on the, ground to conceive the intense excitement that prevailed here at the outbreak of the war. The outbreak of patriotic feeling at the time Sumter was fired on was enough to silence dr.- sent but in a month or two affairs had changed. We had lost some small engagements; the war was by no means as successful as had been hoped, and business was stagnant. To those who believed that the struggle should have been averted the course bf the Telegraph was extremely offensive. Its proprietors were Democrats, but the bulk of the party charged them with being traitors. The proposition, therefore, to establish a new paper devoted to sound principles was hailed with alacrity. Once begun, its course was plain. It denounced the administration and the war, it ridiculed the leaders in Congress, declared Democrats who had sprung to the assistance of the country were hypocrites or turncoats, and. was never tired of harping the changes on the negro, Oiu Abe, Beast Butler, and the downfall of the Constitution. The leader of the peace party in this section was Clement L. Yalaudigham, of Dayton, a man of high standing, and of great personal magnetism. They continued this oppnsisition during the war, and for years after, although Air, Yallandigham did not. He saw and accepted the new situation very soon after the close of the contest.

The True Telegraph began in Septcmberp-lSfil, ar.d soon forced the other Democratic paper to s>4l out to its Republican rival. The paper was edited, at the beginning, by Dt. AIcElwec. Y\ itliin a few weeks the paper was sold to Alarts A Alayo. Air. Alayo acted .as editor. He had previously been a school-reaehcr, and hud written a life of Yallandigham. October 30, a new -erics of the True Telegraph was started, and styled volume 36, number 1. The paper was published by the True Telegraph Company, with Owen Moron/ business manager.

TTnder this management, Crane and Rainier appear as editors. Alarch 26, 1863, and on April 23d of that year rimy became proprietors. On July 21, 1864, Crane & Palmer sold rhe paper to the I rue K legruph Company. They secured the .-v r vices c-i John AIcElwec as rdioug win served as such iintd Fi>n:arv23. 1865, when he was succeeded i:i the editorial chair by John A. Cockerill. Air. Cockerill. at this time, was a wry young man, but a writer of great force. Johu V. Cockerill A Br ther became the owners of the paper, October 26, I860, and j on April 25, 1867, Mr. John A. Cockerill became j sole owner of it,, and so remained until July 2, 1868, j when he sold to Jacob H. Long-, who installed Colonel j H. II. Robinson as editor. Mr. Long continued in own- j ership of the paper, and Mr. Robinson was its editor, I until January 13, 1870, when it was sold to John R. Nickel, editor-in-chief, and L. B. De la Court, managing ! editor, and its name changed to the Butler County Democrat, March 10, 1870; owing to legal complications, the additional name and True Telegraph was appended to it.

Dr. Nickel retired from the paper, May 11, 1871, and its entire possession passed into the hands of L. B. De la ; Court, who retained Dr. Nickel as its editor, Mr. De | la Court owned the paper until December 21, 1873, when | Thomas H. Hodder purchased it, and held it until April. 15, 1875. During this time, Mr. -Ilodder changed the form of the paper from a folio to a quarto, and made some other mechanical improvements in it.

' The firm of It. N. Andrews & Co. succeeded Mr. Hodder in the ownership of the paper, April 15, 1875. Mr. J. W. Start's name appeared in the initial number ; as its editor, and until June 24, when it was dropped. ! Later in the year it was edited by -T. P. Caldwell for a brief season and by Thomas II. Miller and others.

On May 13, 1875, the paper assumed the name of the Butler County Democrat and' Hamilton Guidon, McElwee & McMaken selling the Guidon to the Democrat. On December 2, 1875, the paper was purchased by the Democratic Printing Company, composed of R. N. Andrews, Thomas Miller, and II. C. Ilume - Mr. Hume acting as editor. Subsequently Andrews disposed of his interest to George R. Yinnedge, and afterward Mr. D. J. Callen, of Mercer Comity, purchased the interest, first of Miller, 1 then of Yinnedge, and then came into entire possession j of the paper, by purchasing the interest of Mr. Hume. ! Callen became financially embarrassed, and the Democrat was placed in the bands of a receiver. The receiver, N. j E. Warwick, under the order of the Court of Common Pleas of Butler County, edited and continued the publi- 1 - cation of the paper until February, 1877, when it was j sold by him to II. C. Hume, Mrs. Catharine Miller, and George Yinnedge, who soon afterward sold the establishmoot to B. K. Brant, its present proprietor, who is assisted by Isaac Coy. It is Democratic in politics. A daily pa- j per was issued from this office in the Fall of 1881.

In April, 1821, a paper was commenced by John L. Murray, called the Volunteer, and afterwards Murray' * 'Meekly. Volunteer, which was continued to December, 1325, j when it was discontinued. *

The next earliest periodical of which we have any I account was published at Oxtbvd. It was edited by the ! professors, and printed in John B. Smith. Its title v.us dm Literary Ilegisti r, and it had fur motto " Prodesse guuin cmmpici." It was in magazine form, two columns to the page, and devoted a tri tie of its space to local mat- 1 i *

"The Erodelphian and Union Literary Societies of Miami University will dispose of a good printing press, together with a large quantity of type, to suit the purchaser, if application be made immediately.

The Rev. Dr. MacDill, a name ever to bo honored in this county, began the publication of a religious periodical in Hamilton, in the year 1829. It begau in January. It was entitled the Christian Intelligencer , and was published in pamphlet form, forty-eight pages to each monthly number. It was devoted to the defense of the doctrines of the Associate Reformed Church and the diffusion of religious intelligence generally.' After editing the paper for three years, 1829, 1830, and 1838, it was then suspended, but resumed again in March, 1833. At this time the fourth volume commenced. At the close of the thirteenth volume the name was changed, and it was then called the Evangelical Guardian. In 1847 it was called the United, Presbyterian. At this time tire Rev. James Pressley, then of Cincinnati, was associated with Dr. MacDill as publisher and assistant editor. At the close of the eighteenth volume, Dr. MacDill concluded to remove West, and the Rev. James Clavhaugli. I). D. , succeeded him, although the former still contributed articles from bis home in Illinois. The journal is still carried on iu Pittsburg.

In July, 1830, James B. Cameron commenced a I weekly paper iu Rossville, called the Ohio Indawdent. j Peter, which was afterward published by C-aineron, Hutch- | ins & Co., until February, 1832, at which time the publi- | cation was discontinued, the publication not having been i regular during the latter part of the time.

The Free Soil Banner was issued in Hamilton, August \ 21, 1848, giving an active support to Yan Bunn. It ! was edited by the following committee: John W. Erwin. 1 John W. Wilson, Henry S. Far burr. Mark C. McMaken, Alfred Thomas, and John R. Lewis. Cjolin II. Elliott) Hamilton, and IT. C. Bird, Rossville, were publishing agents. John C. Skinner, treasurer. It was issued weekly, for three months.

The Daily Press was issued in Rossville, in Mav, 1851. by James H. Green and Alfred L. Sowell, two practical printers. Four numbers only were published.

i'he Bin, ni Dr inner 1 it- was h. gun iu Ko.*s\il!o iu January, 1850, and was conducted by Wilson 1!. Lavnoti. He retired from the paper, Tuesday, "Upt- mlvr 9, l,x'>l, and the next number was owned ! v an association of Democrats - Longfellow A Co. ; L. J. Strong, editor.

Democracy Uniratnmelcd and Butler Count!; Investigator was first issued at Rossvillo, September 20, 1849. It was i printed by J. M. Christy.

The Tri-weekly Advertiser was published March 14, \ 1867, by Jacob II. Long, and a weekly newspaper of the same name was begun by Mr. Long, February 24, 1875. The first was afterward merged into the Independ- i ent, which began in 1871. Mr. Long afterward disposed of | his interests to Dr. J. R. Brown. Samuel L'Hommcdieu, 1 and W. H. Beardsley. The paper was edited by Colonel j H. II. Robinson, and was printed until 1874, when it was j disposed of to- the Hamilton Printing Company, and ; merged into the Examiner.

Printing Company, and was conducted thus until in ; October of that year, when if was sold out to the Guidon, and became merged into that paper. It was edited by Thomas \. Corcoran, of Cincinnati, six or eight weeks, | and afterward by John F. IS'eiian.

The Guidon was started August 26, 1875, by John j McElwee. It established a reputation at once for ability to criticise, ridicule, and lecture the community in general. Its proprietor associated with him J. J. McMaken, and they bough! out the Examiner, and the paper then became more conservative, and was removed to West Ham- j ilton. In May, 1875, MeEhvee and McMaken sold out to the Butler County Democrat . and the Guidon and Examiner were merged into that paper.

The Orem was originated in 1878, by S. T). Cone, who published and edited it for about three mouths; then being purchased by L/u J. Beauchamp and P.obr. S. Carr, when It was bought by B. R. Finch and N. E. j Warwick, and ran about six months - being noted for its sprightliness. Then, on account of change of business affairs, if was discontinued, the proprietors refunding advance subsc ript ions,

July 17, 1876, S. I). Cone and Colonel P. IT Gallagher, formerly of Charleston, West Virginia, and who was Mr. Calleu's business manager <4' the Democrat, began publishing the Sunday J Coming New-'. Mr. Cone was the original >r of the venture, in the belief that a Sunday pajHii* issued at an early hour, before the arrival of the Cmcimuti trains, could acquire a large and preamble circulation, and in great measure supplant the Cincinnati Sunday dailies.' With that view, special telegraphic dispatches were engaged, by the Atlantic and Pacific line, from all important points - the first attempt at newspaper special telegraphing ever made in Hamilton. The Neics ran its career in a little less than four months, and was highly appreciated. It came to an end through the business troubles of the Democrat, and not through lack of support.

The Observer is published by Jacob II. Long, and is a continuation of the Advertiser, ft was established February 24, 1876. From the same office there was published, in the Fall of 1881, a. Democratic daily of the same name, and later, another daily, entitled the Daily People.

The Hamilton Register was established in 1877, by J. W. Bennett, and was afterward changed to the Hamilton Free Lance. It suspended publication in 1879, and its editor entered the field of journalism in Warren County, where he continued his labors.

The Schildu-ache was established in May, 1859, by F. E. Humhach and John P. Brack, being edited by John P. Dietz, of Dayton. After six months' service iu this capacity he resigned, and was succeeded by Ij. F. Schmidieke, of Cincinnati. During 1860, F. E. Hum bach sol out to J. P. Brack. In 1861 J. P. Brack responded to the call of the President for troops, and raised the first company that left Hamilton for the seat of war, of which he was elected captain. During his absence in the field (three- months), Frederick Egry acted as superintendent, and attempted to run it in the interest of rbe I nion cause, although it was originally an outspoken Democratic sheet. In -November. 1862, Captain Brack sold out to Peter Milders, with Professor A. G<-..-riug and Louis Hey as editors In 1863 Milders di.~po.-ed of the Sckildwachr. to Robert Christy, Esq., now a prominent practicing attorney at Washington. D. C.; who immediately sold it to J. 11. Long, the latter publishing it as the Butler County Democrat, a short time, in connection with L. B. Do ia Court. After a brief partnership, De la Court withdrew, and, in 1864, began the publication of the National Zeituug.

After the close of the Fail campaign, in the year 1863, the German Democrats of Butler County manifested a desire to start a ucw German Democratic newspaper, not having been satisfied with the policy pursued by the Democrat. The project was carried out by a number of German Democrats, who called a meeting for the purpose of organizing a stock company. On the thirteenth day of April. 1864, the following persons met at Rumple's Hal1, West Hamilton : Messrs. Christian Morgenthalcr, January Getz, Lbcrhart Botliugor, John Fischer, L. B. Do la Court, Adolph Schmidt, Peter Becker, an I others. Mr. Morgenthalcr was elected p:v~i h'Tit; Adolph Schmidt, secretary ; ami January G >tz. treasurer of the company, film meeting r >tved ro publish a German Democratic newspaper, to s.filieit '-ukscriptions for stock, and elected L. B. IV la Court editor and business manager of the concern. On the ! fourth day of July, 1864, the first number of the Hun- j Uton National Zcitung was published. A few years later j the paper passed into the sole possession of L. B. De la Court, who bought the entire- stock of the company. The ; National Zeitung has been published since without inter- j ruption, and is at present the only German newspaper j published in Butler County.

Preceding the Schildwaehe there had been a German 5 paper called the IFae/tfe/gand, during the war, a Repub- j Jicau journal was issued in Hamilton, entitled the IJeo- \ bo elder.

We can not refrain from expressing our indignation j at the vandal who destroyed a series of files of these ] newspapers, running up to the beginning of the county, j and of priceless value. He had before refused to allow !

access to them on the ground that Butler County had not. 1 treated him right. He was a disappointed candidate for | office, and his fellow-citizens had undoubtedly judged his j capacity and public spirit correctly.

There are now published in this city the News and ] Telegraph , from the same office, by C. M. Campbell, the j formed being daily ; the .Democrat, by B. K. Brant ; the Observer, by. Jacob II. Long ; and the National Zeitung, j by L: B. De hi Court. Two advertising sheets aie also i issued.

Butler County was formed and organized in 1803. ! The following table will show the march of population i since the organization of the State government, according j to the quadrennial enumeration of the free males over twenty-one years of age, made for the purpose of apportioning the representatives and senators to the State Legislature :

The whole population was, in 1810, 11,071 ; in 1820, it had increased to 21 ,720 ; and in 1 828, amounted to about 26,000. The whole number for each of these dates may he ascertained with sufficient accuracy by multiplying the number over 21 years by 0.6 The whole number of tree persons of color, in 1820, was 158.

This excess was accounted for, in part, by the spirit of adventure and the prospects of success inducing more j young men to emigrate to and try their fortunes in the j new countries than young women ; hut, even of that j class under 10 years of age (noon whom these circum- ! stances could have little or no influence), there is an ex- j cess of 189 males.

It contained, in 1827, 522 voters, and 2,923 inhabitants. 1 It contained also 59 1 head of horses, and -863 head of ; cattle, valued at 830,664. The foregoing items, together with the town property, valued at 8160,990, and the | capital engaged in merchandise, estimated ('before the j court) at 86,600, made the aggregate value, of the town- j ship 8300,366. This amount of property paid a tax of 8941.14, for State and canal purposes; 8640.60 for school j and county* expenses ; and 8330.11 for township expenses : j making, in the whole, 81,911.94.

Oxford Township contains 1,583 acres of taxable land, valued at $7,886. The college lands, amounting to 17,464 acres, valued at $59,257, were not subject to taxation. This township contained 332 horses, and 8,607 cattle; valued at $18,136. Town property, $10,585; merchants' capital, $6,700; property of the Miami University, buildings, etc., $25,000. Total value of the township, $127,566. This township paid $104.35 for State and canal purposes; and $87.50 for county and school purposes; making only a total of $198.05. The number of voters Vas 367, and of inhabitants 2,050, The annual rents paid to the university by the lease-holders of this township amounted to upward of $4,000.

To arrive near the whole value of the county, to the items above enumerated must be added the value of the young horses and cattle under three years old, and the sheep and swine, which would amount to a very considerable sum, and also the amount of household furniture, farming implements and mechanic tools. These items would probably increase the amount nearly one half, the horses and cattle being each valued at a fixed rate - the horses at $40 each, the cattle at $8 - probably much below the average value which they would then sell for in the market.

An ingenious writer who collated the above statistics indulges in the following anticipations as to the future of this county. He writes in 1828 :

" W e wiil indulge, 'here, iu a few speculations on the energies which heaven has imparted to the soil, and to how great an extent its resources may be developed. Butler County contains about 15,000 acres of first-rate land; 180,000 acres of second-rate land; and 80.00') acres of third-rate. This 15,000 acres of first-rate laud will produce annually of corn, at the rate of 45 bushels per acre, 675,000 bushels.

| would yield 1,350,000 gallons of spirits, which at 20 cents per gallon, would amount to $270,000; and it would produce, allowing 10 bushels to yield 100 pounds,

2.700.000 bushels, which would make about 500,000 barrels of flour, worth $3.25 per barrel, and would amount to the enormous sum of $1,375,000, exclusive of the price of the barrel and expense of grinding and packing; and at

I 40 ceuts per bushel would amount to $1,080,000. This i quantity of wheat would subsist 400,000 persons, allowing each to consume 6.V bushels, which is rather more I ° than is actually consumed in bread-stutis. One-third of the second-rate laud, 60,9()0 acres, in grass, would yield, at 14 tons of hay per acre, 90,000 tons, which .vouhl winter about 90,900 head of horses, or 120,099 Ivad of ; cattle ; and the remaining two-thirds, 120,000 acres,

would yield sufficient grazing to fev.i them through the Summer. Were they disposed of, either horses or cattle.' at three years old - in general, the most judicious age - i if horses, 30,000 (one-third) might he disposed of au- I Dually, which, at an average of $40 each, would yield

Education

$1,200,000; if cattle, 40,000 be disposable annually, which at $10 per head, would yield $400,000. This showing proves clearly that horses are much the most profitable species of stock.

" The living animals which are annually sent from the Western States into the Southern markets (principally horses) yield about $3,000,000. It Ls, perhaps, not rating horses too high in those markets at $80 per head ; and 37,500 horses only would be required to produce that mm. 'Butler county, alone, appropriating all her lands, could produce this number.

" Eighty thousand acres of third-rate land, very proper for that purpose, would support, at 5 sheep to the acre, 400,000; which, averaging each fleece at 2 pounds, would yield 800,000 pounds, worth, at 30 cents per pound, $240,000.

"These calculations have been made, supposing every acre of land to be «&nder cultivation. At present the quantity in actual agriculture does not greatly exceed one-third, and there is a very small portion of it, 'indeed, under that high state of cultivation to which it will probably arrive at some future day, when the great increase of population will demand every energy of the soil to produce aliment to sustain animal life. We may gather a knowledge, satisfactorily accurate, of the prospective population which this county may one day contain, or at least support, by ascertaining the greatest quantity of grain which it will produce. It is a principle infallible in the economy of nature to produce life to as great an extent as nature and art furnish means to sustain it.

"The whole quantity of land (rating the first quality at 30 bushels of wheat per acre, the second quality at 15, and the third-rate at 8) would produce 3,790,000 bushels. Estimating the consumption of each individual, young and old, in bread, meat, liquors, clothing, and that consumed by the necessary proportion of domestic animals, to be equal to 25 bushels (and this is apportioning a more liberal allowance than is consumed in some countries of Europe), it would give 156,000 inhabitants - : number greater than was contained in the States of Delaware and 1 ihode Island in 1820. And yet this would not make a population much more dense than some sections of country in the old world. It gives 323 to the squaie mile. The Netherlands contains 214 persons to the square mile; England, 225 ; and Ireland, 228. In countries as ex-_ tensive as either of the last mentioned, there must be con- -iderable quantities of laud which will not produce; in this there is scarcely a rood which may not he profitably improved.

"There were, in 1810, in tins county, 10 tanneries, and <1 stills for distilling ardent spirits. We have no data !ru>u which we could form any tolerable estimate of their mughers at present, but the number* of both are consak rincreased. There was also, in that Near, in it, 514 "-'ns, upon which wi re \vo\eti 156,476 yards of various *'ihds nr fabric, estimated at $161'. 000. The number of looms, and the quantity of labor performed on them, has not probably increased since then with the amount of population. Our citizens now purchase much of their clothing which they were then compelled to manufacture for themselves.

"In 1820, there were 1,022 persons engaged in manufactures. This number probably includes adult artificers of every kind. There were also 59 persons employed in mercantile business, and 3,961 persons engaged iu agricultural pursuits.

"There is at this time (1828) in operation within the county 38 grist-mills, driving from 1 to 3 run of stones; 45 saw-mills ; and 12 fulling mills. Besides these, there are various other kinds of machinery propelled by waterpower, and a large amount of water-power yet to be improved and brought into profitable operation."

Emersox says: "The world exists for the education of each man." The founders of the American Republic ; believed that a free government is a government for each | man, and that without universal education a permanent | republic is impossible. In the famous ordinance of 1787 | are these words :

"Religion, morality, and knowledge, being nocessoi v 1 to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools : and the means of education shall forever be encouraged."

I and in educational affairs at least they were eminently I successful. They provided that no State or territorial - i legislature should interfere with the disposal of the public ! lands by the general government, and that a portion of | these lands should form the nucleus of a fund for the ; education of the whole people. *

-The constitution of Ohio, formed in 1802. as well its | the constitution of 1851, copied, in substance, the part i of the ordinance which is above quoted, and from this it j will be seen that the fostering of schools lias been oue of I the objects which the State of Ohio has constantly sought to attain.

It is not sufficient to show that Butler County has j borne, a worthy part in th<> promotion of that intelligence i for which the Slate has become so favorably known; and | in which the people of the commonwealth have a laudable i pride.

Thi» county was organized in 1803. The first settlers 1 came from nearly ail ttie older Suites. Pennsvlvunia. \ irg'nia, and Kentucky being most numerous!} represented. No sooner did the pioneer finish hi< cabin than lie lagan to plan fin the education his children. The primitive log school-house, with its "stick and mortar" chimney, paper windows, puncheon floor, slab seats, and ! itinerant schoolmaster, immediately followed the completion ot his dwelling, and although not much was attempted in these schools, what was attempted was thoroughly done.

J he children learned to spell, read, write, and cipher (often as far as the " rule of three"). One of the best features in the training of pioneer children was the physical exercise which all received- - boys and girls alike. At home the hoys cut fire-wood, fed the stock, broke the flax, and went to the mill, ten or even twenty miles j away. The girls milked the cows, worked in the fields, spun flax and wool, wove, and did all mauner of house- , work, and thus became accustomed to labor with their j bauds - a schooling that is not less valuable in business | life than that derived from the study of books. Nor was ! moral training neglected in these days. Habits of industry, thrift, and patience were universally inculcated. [

The children crossed the threshold of the school-room j prepared to respect and obey the rules of the teacher, I and when this respect and obedience were not given, the j offender was promptly punished, both by teacher and parent.

The training in these schools and homes did not end with school-books and moral precepts. Tire first exercise i at school was commonly the reading of a chapter of the Bible; and in many a cabin, at night, before the family retired, was enacted the scene of family worship, so beautifully pictured by the poet Burns, in " The Cotter's Saturday Night:"

The backwoodsman s children entered the field .of active life with strong bodies and good characters, and with a i very fair common school education. ri he pbysujue and the sturdy character of these children were chiefly due to their parents, but the faithful work, of the humble j and poorly paid schoolmaster bad not been in vain.

The primitive teacher iu Ohio was either from one of the older States or from across the Atlantic. Y\"ith | rarely an exception, he was earnest, industrious, and I conscientious. He was dignified, and could scarce!) be called genial bv his pupils. He believed in his prerogative, and would sacrifice his position rathei than humili- i ate himself in hi* own estimation. He was often a ckiS'ica! scholar, lie taught fur three months at a time, and boarded around among the parents of his pupils His pay was always meager, being but a few cents per day for each pupil. Once a quarter, generally at Christ- j mas time, "the big boys" would meet at the school-house before daylight, fasten the shutters and the doer, and thus "bar out" the master, demanding of him "a treat." Sometimes he would give them apples and cider, and sometimes he would not. In case he refused to comply with the demands of the boys, they would either yield gracefully to their master's firmness, or otherwise they would treat him with personal violence, such as. immersing him in the nearest mill-pond, or, iu very rare cases, inserting his head under the corner of a fence. These were rude times, which, for the good of all, have long since passed away, never to return; but, for the sake of truth, it should be remembered that what the " big boys" did to fhe master was prompted more by their love of fun than by their desire to see any ono suffer physical pain.

These early schools began about eight o'clock in the morning, and continued till four or five in the afternoon, with an hour's intermission at twelve. Nearly ail the pupils "brought their dinners," which, consisted of apples, bread, meat, and sometimes milk.

After the dinner had been eaten, the boys would play ball, and the girls "black man," and other lighter games, till the time for books. All played hard, and' all studied hard.

In the school-room there were nearly as many classes as would be obtained by multiplying the number of pupils by the number of the It's. Blackboards were not known, and school apparatus had not been thought of west of the eastern cities.

The text-books were not uniform. Each pupil used what he could get. Webster's and Dillvorth's Spellingbooks, the New Testament, the English Header and its Introduction, Pike's and Bennett's Arithmetics, and Murray's Grammar were among those- most common. Penmanship was taught by copies written by the master, and the goose-quill pen was in general use. Occasionally there was a school in which geometry, surveying, and natural philosophy were taught, but s 'ch wore exceedingly rare. Iu these schools the higher branches were recited at the uoon hour, or after the lower classes had been dismissed. Nothing but the love of learning could have induced these overworked teachers, in their log school-houses, to have done such work for their older pupils.

lii these same log school-houses statesmen, authors, and generals were inspired to study and t<< acquire the knowledge which afterward made them a pow er in their day and generation. The primitive schoolmaster, as we tow call him, budded wiser than his patrons knew. But \ve are mistaken if these early an i true teachers did not expect to see their ambitious pupils become useful and eminent, citizens. Whoever seeks an honest answer t< - the now general inquiry, What is the cause of such a host of greu. men in Ohio? will find the true answer in the tie's ami services of the primitive schoolmasters of mn great '-date. Grant, Sherman, Hayes. Garfield, Halstead (and hundreds

A roll of the names of those who were especially useful in developing Butler County into an influential part of a great commonwealth would he incomplete without Ritchie, Pardee, Proudfit, MeMeehan, Smith, Monfurt, j Beers, Marstou, Gailbreath, Thomas, Bcbb, Hughes, \

There are no records to show when the first school was j held within the limits of what is now Butler County. ' It is said that reading and writing were taught in Fort Hamilton during the Autumn of 1791, by a soldier to - some of his comrades. It is not probable that any school - existed before 1805. In every new settlement, however, ; there was one during a part of each year. These were ! subscription schools, and die names of the teachers have I not been preserved.

In Hamilton a Hr. Ritchie, the Rev. M. G. Wallace, ; Benjamin Pardee, Alexander Proudfit, the Rev. James McMechan, Henry Baker, Hugh Hawthorne, Miss Ellen A. McMechan, the Rev. Francis Monfort, and Benjamin F. Raleigh all taught prior to the year 1830.

The Rev. R. H. Bishop, who was the first president of Miami University, is justly entitled to a place on the j roll of the great teachers of Butler County. James M. Dorsey was the first teacher iu Oxford.

In Butler County the higher education has not been | limited to the university at Oxford. Iu 1810 the Rev. j Matthew G. Wallace taught the classics and the higher English branches in Hamilton.

In 1815 Alexander Proudfit, an alunmus of the Ohio : University, taught Latin and Greek to the sons of Dr. ! Dauic-l Millikin, and to others. In 1818 the Hamilton Literary Society erected a substantial building lor aca- : demical purposes. Iu 1821 the Rev. Thomas Thomas ; established a high-school at New London, and iu the same j neighborhood, iu the same year, a library association was formed.

One of the teachers in the New London High School was William Bebb, afterward governor of Ohio. Evan Davis taught iu New Loudon from 1830 to 1836, in- j elusive. For nearly forty years this gentleman occupied a prominent place in the educational work of the county.

Of the teachers who w<m distinction in the Now London High School, tin' Rev. B. V.'. Chidlaw deserves favorable mention. Murat Halstead, who lias won a more than national 'reputation as a journalist, was oue of his pupils.

Iu 1833 Nathaniel Furman established an academy in Middletown. His school was continued for fifteen years, and became widely known for its excellence.

In 1835 "The Hamilton and Rossviile Female Academy" was opened. In 1836 the number of pupils iu this school was one hundred and twenty-seven. Miss Maria Drummond, Miss Georgietta Haven, Miss Amelia Looker, Miss Eliza Huffman, Mr. Nathan Furman, and others, were at different times teachers in this academy.

The educational revival, which began in the United States in 1825, bore fruit in Ohio in 1853. The new school-law then enacted put an end to nearly all private schools, except seminaries, colleges, and universities. With r scarcely an exception all the citizens of Butler County united in availing themselves of the privileges of the new law. County examiners were appointed, school directors were elected, school-houses built, apparatus and school libraries purchased, teachers employed, and for once in the history of the State nearly all the children were in school a part of each year.

Under the law of 1853 the most important and influential school officers in a county are the school examiners, whose duty it is to examine teachers and to give certificates to those who are of good character, and who possess an adequate knowledge cf the various branches studied iu the schools.

The following is a complete list of all who have been school examiners in Butler County since 1853 : Evan Davis, Benjamin F. Raleigh, Andrew G. Chambers, S. V. Chase, J. T. Ktllen, W. H. Wynn, S. A. Campbell, J. Longueeker, John R. Chamberlin, A. Crider. Benjamin F. Thomas, II. C. "Williamson, Gilbert L. Travis, H. D. Heukley, I Z. Loiter, Wesley Thomas, A. EUR, D. F. Nelson, S. I. McClelland, J. Q. Baker, and L. D. Brown. The last three named constitute the present board.

A sketch of the educational history of Butler County would be incomplete without at least a brief nu- n of the Western Female Seminary, at Oxford, and of the Oxford Female College. The seminary was incorporated in 1853. In I860, and again iu 1871, the buildings of the seminary were destroyed by fire. Since the last fire, the building has been rebuilt, and the school has he> u more prosperous than ever before. The Female College, under the careful supervision of Dr. Robert I>. Morris, has done great good to the public. As a whole, the schools of Butler County are in a highly prosperous condition. Hamilton, Middletown, Oxford, Monroe. New London, Amanda, and West Chester have excellent buildings and excellent graded schools. Hamilton and New London have well-equipped public libraries, and Middletown stands first in her supply of school apn rants.

!n the towns the majority of the 'teachers arc li lies. Iu die count r\ this i- not the case. Lachei- >; "! v . ;vo wages that arc t< >< » low iu comparison with what is generally paid, for skilled labor. Nevertheless, Butler County

' The following school statistics for Butler County have been taken from the last annual report of the lion. J. J. Barns, state school commissioner of Ohio: Number of youths between 6 and 21 years of age, 14,844; number of school-houses, 123. Value of school property, £421,550; number of teachers necessary to supply the schools, 201 ; number of different pupils enrolled, 9,067 ; average daily attendance of pupils, 5,796. Number of certificates issued, 226. Average wages of teachers per month in township districts: Gentlemen, £45; ladies, £33. In special districts: Gentlemen, £59; ladies, £46. In high schools, gentlemen, £65; ladies, 878. Average number of weeks schools were in session: Township, 35; separate districts, 37.

An interesting chapter on the growth and influence of the Butler County Teachers' Association could be written. The names of Thomas M. Mendenhall, Emanuel Richter, Alstou Ellis, James A. Clarke, J. W. Judkins, J. P. Sharkey, John Q. Baker, Professor B. Starr, James M. Slicker, Isaac S. Coy, L. E. Grennan, and many others, would deserve more than mere mention in such a chapter.

Wei -e a complete list of the benefactors of the public schools of Butler County to be prepared, many pages would be required. It is certainly in place, however, to state here _that Clark Lane, the founder of the Lane Free Library, of Hamilton, is one of the greatest of these benefactors. The library that he established will be an imperishable monument in the lives of those that have been enriched by the healthful literature he made free to the people of liis city.

Butler County contains four hundred aiu fifty-seven square miles. This area, as returned and assessed for taxation, contains 293,605 acres. The county, therefore, is of medium size ; there being three counties in the State which contain less than 200,000 acres, and four counties which contain over 400,000 acres, all averaging 288,346 acres.

The lauds of the county, from the latest data available, and from the known changes which have since taken place, arc subdivided about as follows:

There, are no data of recent date which exhibit the I present subdivision of lands; but it is believed that the lands are now divided into about 4,000 farms of the following dimensions:

The geological formation of Butler County is identical \ with that which exists in the Miami Valley, known as | the Lower Silurian. Throughout the county blue lime- ! stone rocks, of good quality, are found in great abundance.

Geographically considered, its location is not liable to I serious or well-grounded objections. It enjoys superior I business- advantages from its proximity to the city of j Cincinnati. There the fanner can, at all times, find a | fair and ready market for all his productions. The facii- ! ities of access to the city by canal, by railroads, and by I turnpikes, relieve the farmers from the unpleasant neces- \ sity of submitting to either exorbitant charges for trans- ! portation or to the unreasonable and more odious exactions ] of those who have control of grain elevators. If farmers are not satisfied with the margin of profit claimed by ! grain-dealers, they can transact their own business in con- | funnily with their own views. Thev enjoy like opportu- ; nities in the purchase of staple goods for their family ! use. Hence, the position of Butler County in reference i to business affairs is unusually favorable.

The soil of tills county is properly designated as limestone soil. It is exceedingly variable in character, but highly productive. Much of it is unsurpassed in ferj tility, while there is only a small portion which is not i susceptible of being made of good quality by judicious husbandry. It has neither barren plains, nor sterile hills, nor marshes, nor swamps, which mar the beauty of the landscape, or generate noxious and unhealthy atmospheres.

As the characteristics aod productive qualities of the 1 soil in a county can he more correctly estimated and do- | termined by the number, size, anil character of the | streams which flow through it. a skeleton map of the ! county is herewith presented, exhibiting the course of the Miami River, and the many large crocks, small ! creeks, runs, and streamlets which so abound and which so thoroughly ramify the entire county. This map will not only be valuable as indicating the nudity of the soil, but will exhibit the abuudanee of water which the streams altbrd, and which is used for propelling machinery, as well as supplying water for farm aud other purposes.

The lands known as "bottom lands" on the Miami ,. : River are generally composed of a Mindy alluvial deposit. The predominant timber upon these lauds is luckberry, buckeye, box-alder, sycamore, honev-loeust, walnut, and sometimes sugar-tree and hickory. Nearly all the lands in 'hi> county of this quality have been cleared for more jj.an fifty years, and have since been cultivated almost continuously. Portions of these lands have been occasionally subject to inundation from backwater, and have thereby become greatly enriched, while other portions have been injured by the displacement of the soil or the covering of the same with gravel.

The same quality of rich alluvial lands is to be found along the larger creeks, and is liable to like overflows juul subject to like casualties.

Such lands do not constitute either the most valuable or the most desirable farms. They subject their owners sometimes to great inconvenience and loss, and are not so suitable fur the production of the various grains, grasses, and other crops raised us are lands of essentially different quality. Nevertheless, these " bottom lands" are highly prized by many, and greatly preferred by a few of our farmers.

The "uplands" are very variable in quality. In one portion of the county, where the hills are unusually high for this part of Ohio, the land is of exceeding richness. The soil is adapted to the production of every variety of grain grown in the county. It is based upon u clay subsoil, and was originally covered with a rich, dark-colored vegetable mold. These hills, which have an altitude above the Miami River of about three hundred feet, tom," whether near the Miami River or in the vicinity of our largest creeks, constitute a larger proportion of our good choice lands. Farms composed of such sod are more highly valued, and are. regarded as decidedly superior in quality. Such lands usually abound in about the following varieties of timber: Hackberry, cherry, walnut, buckeye blue !V'T> gray ash, pin-oak, white oak, burr-oak, and sugar- i were originally covered with a very thick growth of tree. Sometimes sycamores grow on such soils, in con- i timber, indicating the very best quality of soil, entirely aeetioQ with elms and the several varieties of haw-trees. ! dissimilar from that which usually grows upon our up- several varieties of lands. On the very highest points on these hills, syeatrees are found in the same locality : sometimes particular : more, black walnut, white walnut, black locust (trees between two and three feet in diameter), box-alder, gray ash, blue ash, pawpaw, etc., grew to an unusual size.

Hie surface of such soils not only furnishes exceed- j And, notwithstanding the irregularities in the surface of uig.y eligible sites for the location of farm buildings, but ! this region, and the rich and friable character of the soil, o is very favorable for farming operations. The soil is j yet there is no excessive gullying or washing away of the '"fn posed of a dark sandy loam, which originally abounded : surface of the fields. The rich and favorable character vegetable mold. The land is, therefore, almost uni- | of these lands, and their high elevation, make them

The other uplands, although somewhat different, are immediate vieiuity of either the Miami River or the | nevertheless similar in quality to most of the upluuds in ' ''LO'.'t <:r''oks, hut is to Le found in great extent through- | the Miami Valley. In some places they have iueorpo- many parts of the county. Farms consisting of i rated with the surface soil a good proportion of vegetable - i.j, 1- of this quality have maintained their fertility sur- ! material, while in other localities the soil is purely nrgilf^ingly, even under improvident cultivation. They are j laeeous. The farms on those uplands, usually denoiui-

"r,l*ly friable and easy of cultivation; sometimes it hwd upon a gravelly subsoil, and at other times upon 1 ' ,ay substratum. This qualitv of soil is not confine nated "clay farms," have for the last thirty-five years continuously grown upon public favor. By judicious culture they have -regularly improved in productiveness. Clover usually takes readily, and all the labor and means applied in renovating these soils have been successful in producing good and enduring effects. Farms located upon these uplands are generally favorable for fruitgrowing, for the production of small grain and grasses, and for general farming purposes. Indeed, farmers occupying such lands are already competing in large crops of corn with those who reside upon purely bottom lauds. The prevailing timber is white oak, pigeon-oak, hickory, ash, red-bud, dogwood, and elm. Intermixed with these we generally find more or less of walnut and sugar-tree.

The climatology and meteorology of Butler County vary immaterially from that which prevails in southwestern Ohio. The most important characteristic of the climate is its uniformity. By this we do not mean to say that we are exempt from the usual changes and fluctuations of temperature, of wind and of rain, which are found to exist in other localities. What is claimed is great uniformity, fur a series of years, of mean temperature, of mean precipitation of rain, and of mean force and frequency of winds. Consequently, although, in common with others, the county has occasionally suffered from from severe winds, yet its farmers have not encountered such privations and sustained such losses from the above causes as are common in other localities in the country. Our mean temperature for many years has been about fifty-three degrees ; and the mean fall of water varies but little from forty-eight inches.

Although the surface of Butler County, sixty years a o-o, was thickly covered with a heavy and vigorous growth of timber, eight-tenths of which has been removed, yet there are now no perceptible changes in either the mean temperature, the mean quantity of rain precipitated, the frequency or duration of showers, or in the character or direction of the prevailing winds. Neither is it believed that our atmosphere is less humid than it was fifty years ago. Some slight modifications of our climate may have taken place. They are, however, not so marked as to be appreciable, even by those who have been careful observers of the weather and its influence upon the vegetation of the county.

The thorough clearing up of farms, however, has produced very decided (-fleets upon our streams. They now rise more rapidly, attain to a great height, and subside, consequently, in much less time than heretofore. Obstructions have been removed from low lauds, from ruus and streamlets, and from creeks; and water now flows speedily off, instead of remaining spread over large tracts of land, to the great detriment and loss of our farmers.

In view, therefore, of the foregoing, we believe that it will not be unsafe to say that if a favorable geographical and commercial position - a climate singularly favorable for the production of the great agricultural staples and for the cultivation of fruits, and a soil variable in character, yet highly rich in all essential elements - are necessary to constitute a good farming region, then the farmers of Butler County are in the possession of that rich boon. In fertility of soil, in her temperate climate, in her favorable geographical position, her numerous streams of water, her timber, her exhaustless quarries of blue limestone, and her abundance of water power, Butler County may be equaled - she can not be excelled.

The cultivation of the lands of this county is by no means what it ought to be. The farmers are not sufficiently alive to the importance of a very complete knowlj edge of the general principles of such branches of learn - i mg as relate to agriculture. They hesitate, in many cases, j to adopt, and in other cases they reject, not only the teach- | ings of science, but refuse to profit by the practical demonstrations of our more intelligent and experienced cultivators. Notwithstanding the existence of this state of feelinu among some of our farmers, wre have the gratification of being able to say with truth that the husbandry of the county has, in many important regards, attained a commendable thoroughness, and is now rapidly improving. Farmers are becoming less and less unwilling to learn from others, and are more ambitious to investigate and consider the reasons assigned for the various systems or modes of culture. Iu due season, we do not question but what an improved state of husbandry will generally prevail, and that the annual product of this county will be quadrupled.

The productiveness of the lands of the county will best be understood by a full statement of the annual amounts of grains produced and the number of domestic animals owned in the county since the year 1850. And, first, of the grain produced.

Under this general head it is proposed to give a brief account of the mode of cultu -e, with the results of wheat, barley, coru, rye, oats, and buckwheat, and to present such other facts and statements In reference to the same as may he deemed of general interest.

Wheat. - This is one of the staple and most profitable crops raised in Butler County. The mode of culture generally adopted gives conclusive indications that the farmers have given great attention to the production of this favorite crop ; and the results prove that they have generally met with fair success.

Wheat ground is generally prepared with more than ordinary care. Every thing necessary to he done for the proper preparation of tin' ground is more faithfully attended to than in preparing the lands for any other crop. The grain is generally put iu with a drill. There are some, however, who adhere to the old way of sowing broadcast. Barn-yard manure on band at the time of plowing for wheat, if unrotted, is carefully plowed under. If thoroughly rotted, it is applied as a top-dressing before

Agriculture

The old mode of plowing up "bare fallows" during the Summer, and then replowing the same before sowing i in wheat, has fallen' into almost general disuse. If there j are any fallow grounds, they are what are termed in Eng- j land " green fallows." Clover-fields are esteemed the best for the production of a good crop of wheat. There are many who have great faith in the productive capacity of a. good timothy meadow field, or timothy and clover field under pasturage for a good crop of wheat. Wheat stubble, barley stubble, and oats stubble grounds continue to j be used by many for growing wheat. The practice of j sowing wheat upon the same "ground for many successive J years is not so common as heretofore, although very fre- i quently followed.

The breadth of land sown in wheat in this county is , by no means uniform. It is as variable as the product per acre is uncertain. The crop harvested in 1&G2 was nearly forty-five per cent greater in breadth of land than ; the crop harvested in 1865; and the aggregate product I of wheat in the county in 1862 more than doubled that | harvested in 1865. The yield per acre of the crop of 1862 was fifteen and a half bushels, while the yield of 1865 was less than eleven bushels per acre.

To show the capacity of Butler County as a wheatproducing county, we herewith present a statement showing the number of acres sown and the number of bushels harvested per annum. Our statement refers to the years in which the crops were produced.

Iso 3

Barley has been extensively cultivated in this county for many years; It has in many instances beeu one of - the, most remunerative crops grown, particularly when sown upon land specially adapted to its production. At times when barley commanded a high price, some of the farmers have produced such crops 49. would enable them to realize* from fifty-five to seventy dollars per acre for a single crop.

warm, loamy soil, in good tilth and condition. On poor J soils it is an unreliable and poorly paying crop. Fall barley j is more generally raised than Spring. The first is m re i certaiu as a crop, and is more desired by brewers. ^Neither ; are regarded as being as exhaustive of the soil as wheat ; j and the stubble of barley is generally regarded as favor- ' able for sowing wheat upon. The straw of barley is j much used for feeding cattle, and as a substitute for Iiav j for horses that are not performing very severe service, j In the table that will be hereafter given it will be seen ! that the number of acres sown in barley varies from six j to sixteen thousand acres per annum, and that we pro- i duce from 165,000 to 340,000 bushels per annum.

Barley being a crop quite extensively grown and re- j lied upon by many farmers of this county, they will be j interested in knowing the number of acres annually sown ! and the product thereof. The following will give the ] desired information :

21ve receives but little attention from the fanners of j this county. Some sow it to provide early green feed for j their milch cows, while others raise very small quantities j for the grain and choice straw.

Oats are more extensively cultivated, although our j fanners have been greatly discouraged in tbeii production i by the injuries which iuve for many years been done that ! crop by rust.

Buckwheat is raised to a verv limited extent indeed. ; Why it is so much neglected it is hard to determine. The j quantity produced does not equal the demand for home j consumption.

The corn-crop of this county is the crop, of all others, . upon which farmers most rely. It is the basis of our agricultural prosperity. It is indispensable to the diversified system of husbandry which farmers have so long pravtioed with such pre-eminent success.

In this ehaptoi it i- deemed unnecessary to go info auv special examination of the several modes or systems of culture which have been practiced in raising this crop. The qualities of land best adapted to the production of this important staple have already,' lieeu given, when

One very marked as well as important change in the culture of the corn-crop has taken place within the past ten or fifteen years. Farmers no longer 'restrict themselves, as formerly, to any specific number of what were j styled ' " plo wings '' before "laying by" their corn-crop, j it now receives much more attention than formerly, and many more " workings." The mellowness of the ground , and its freedom from weeds have much to do in cletermin- ' ing when it will be either safe or prudent to cease further ] cultivation of the land. A fixed number of times of j "going through" no longer determines or regulates the j operations of the intelligent cultivator of corn.

The following statement will exhibit the number of j acres of corn planted in tiie years stated, and the number : of bushels produced in each year :

With this exposition of the grain-producing capabili ties of this county, we pass to the consideration of other questions connected with our agriculture.

In the further presentation of such facts and consider- j ations as are pertinent to an exposition of the state of j agriculture in this county, we shall give, briefly, some account of the cultivation of other articles which are included in agricultural products.

Among these may appropriately he mentioned the ' arrowing of potatoes, of flax, of sorghum, and of tobacco. The quality of our soil is well adapted to the raising of potatoes. Farmers who have given their attention at the j right time and in the right way to the proper cultivation j of this highly prized and indispensable esculent have i always been well rewarded for their labor and pains- taking. And yet potatoes are not so generally cultivated as they should be. We do net produce more potatoes ; than we consume. We should pro. luce largely tor exportation. It is a staple vegetable, universally used, and always commanding a fair price, and its production should, the re lore, be greatly augmented.

Flax, although grown in this county, is not as extensively raised by our fanners as by those re ailing In some of the adjoining counties. It is more generally cultivated for the seed, which has become an important article of commerce, and is industriously sought for at high prices. The fiber is now only incidentally valuable. It is not relied upon to any great extent as a source of income, because of the unsalable condition in which the same has to be sold. If a cheap and speedy way can he discovered by which the fiber can be so manipulated as to make it an available and desirable stock for the manufacture of a good quality of paper, then the business of growing fiax would rapidly increase, and soon become a prominent and profitable crop in this county.

Sorghum cane is cultivated with us. and manufactured into syrup, to a moderate extent. It has proved a very valuable substitute for other molasses, and has been used extensively by those who felt themselves unable or unwilling to purchase sugar or other molasses at ihe exorbitant prices demanded. If science, and the practical skill of those who are now investigating the subject and making experiments, shall successfully ascertain some real, certain, and not extravagantly expensive process, by which farmers and others can manufacture a fair article o£ sugar, then the introduction of sorghum will have been proved to be of exceeding great value to the country. As yet no satisfactory testimony of such success has been given. That sugar has been produced from sorghum is unquestioned. That the process of its production is easily to be understood and practiced, so that success in making sugar is certain, no satisfactory proof has yet been adduced. It is earnestly to bo hoped that our farmers may soon be able to obtain such information and instruction as will enable them to manufacture their own sugar from sorghum syrup in such quantities as will at least enable them to meet the demands of then- own households.

Tobacco is the last of the four articles named in the. preceding list. Flow great a curse it has been to the soil unwisely prostituted to its cultivation we have no time to consider at length. It is enough for the intelligent and conscientious husbai drnau to know that every district of country devoted to the raising of tobacco for a series of years has been almost irreparably injured in its productive capacity. Small and particular localities which have been cultivated in tobacco may have had their fertility maintained for a while by robbing other portions of the farm of tiieir due proportion of manure; yet, sooner or later, the exhaustive process will ultimately work the deterioration of any neighborhood or farming district where tobacco-raising i.- a prominent part of the f a r m i t 1 g o | ) e r a t i o 1 1 s .